When disaster hits, time is of the essence. In the wake of a catastrophe that impacts an area or issue that your nonprofit serves, it is time to execute an emergency fundraising campaign. In order to do so quickly and successfully, you should already have a plan in place. A recent article from Network for Good suggests that nonprofits follow this twelve-step program:
- Explain how the current catastrophe impacts the area in which you serve.
- Make your story available through multiple channels—especially online—to increase your reach.
- Ask your supporters to share your story with their followers.
- Produce a special fundraising campaign surrounding this particular disaster and be sure to keep good records of donations.
- Leverage your board members to reach out to major donors about participating in the fundraiser.
- Seek to connect with online influencers who are willing to share your message and campaign to their wider audiences.
- Reach out to any media connections you have to broadcast your cause further.
- Create a plan for thoroughly and actively communicating through the crisis—be sure to update your website and keep your staff apprised of your messaging strategy.
- Leverage any corporate sponsors involved with your organization.
- Increase visibility by adding an eye-drawing banner to your website that links to your emergency fundraiser.
- Acknowledge those who donate to your campaign on social media and your website.
- Reach out to people and organizations with greater resources to acquire matching gifts.
For further details, click here to read the article in full at Network for Good.
